Sarah Barney

Sarah (she/her) is the creator and lead farmer behind Among the Oaks Herb Farm. "A sun-loving dirt-worshipper, I am a born and raised Kentuckian, who has come to find home in the Appalachian hills. I'm inspired by the dense forests of the region, the many creatures whom I share this land with and a commitment to making positive change in my community. The farm was born out of a desire to help folks connect with plants on a deeper level, to create supportive, land-based employment for myself and others and to resist the increasing rate at which our society is becoming disconnected, value-less and hollow. We believe in sinking our teeth into the beauty and magic of life around here!

Before starting Among the Oaks, (though that's eight years ago at this point!) I was a research ecologist studying insects and birds. This allowed me to spend time on a variety of farms in different parts of the world, which ultimately inspired my path to here. I see farming as a co-creative project with the land, in which we as farmers are just another layer of the local ecology, modifying our fields in pursuit of both production and stewardship."

Alex Petit

Alex (she/her) co-manages the farm, runs our booth at the Red River Gorge Farmers Market and has been involved in many aspects of Among the Oaks since 2021.

"A simple story of who I am is that I left the military, plant medicine found me and my life started anew. Everyday is a practice of coming home and discovering different tools that help me remember how. I’m fond of having experiences, citizen science and small dogs."

Reena Martin

Reena (she/her) joined us in 2024 as the manager of our Lexington Farmers Market booth.

"While I didn't spend much time growing up on a farm, I did spend 120% of my time outdoors — camping, swimming, hiking, wandering, exploring and discovering the natural world. After high school I became deeply immersed in sustainability and environmental sciences at Berea College. Taking these courses within the agriculture and natural resources program allowed me to also spend time learning about sustainable agriculture, local food systems and even beekeeping. Once I graduated, I spent the next 10 years working in local non-profits that incorporated horticulture in innovative ways like indoor aquaponics and nature-based healing for survivors of intimate partner abuse. Now I spend my days learning as much as I can about plants and their countless benefits while also slinging delicious Among the Oaks teas at the Lexington Farmers Market. You can also find me at my "day job" as Fayette County's newest extension agent for horticulture. Hope to see you around!

JB Pitts

JB (he/they) is both a part of our farm crew and the manager of our booth at the Lexington Farmers Market.

"I started my plant journey as a practice of realizing Right Relationship to the many places I've made home, while continuing to honor and remember my familial roots in Appalachian Kentucky. Previous roles as a naturalist educator and food systems researcher have led me to believe that any day I can inspire joy and allow someone to rest is a successful one. I love fluffy creatures, flowing water, live music, and a good excuse to gather in community."

Jess Billings

Jess (they/them) is the manager of our booth at the Market Square Farmers Market in Knoxville.

"I was brought up in a small town nestled in the Bitterroot valley, Southwest Montana. By a family of foresters, loggers, homesteaders, trappers and plant enthusiasts. So it came as no surprise that I inherited the “green thumb” with a natural pull towards land stewardship. My particular interests are in restoring biodiversity and cultivating regenerative agriculture/permaculture through ethnobotany. I enjoy learning and implementing the long-standing knowledge of indigenous folks and people of color who have a deep relationship with Turtle Island. My learning approach is community-based. Educating myself through local workshops and seminars, volunteer work, mentorships/workshares, online and physical resources by Indigenous/ POC, and of course, the greatest teacher, Mother Earth."“When we share our gifts, we foster a culture of reciprocity that nourishes our community and the earth.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer